End-of-life or “pet memorial” photography sessions are special photo sessions just for terminally ill and elderly pets.

They are an opportunity to capture the relationship you have with your pets before they pass. Rather than something sad, it’s meant to be a celebration of their lives, to create tangible memories that you can cherish forever.

Our pets are only with us for a short time, but they make a huge impact on our lives – why wouldn’t we want to document something so important to us?

Memorial photography sessions aren’t about pictures of dying pets; they’re about celebrating the relationship and the love you’ve shared.

They’re about capturing the little things that make them special to you: the expressions, the quirks, the lick on your cheek or the paw in your hands.

There can be a fine line, however, of when it’s no longer appropriate to invest in a session. It’s best when your pets are still looking and feeling good, so the memories we’re capturing will be happy ones, that you can look back on with a smile.

If your pet has progressed to a point where you don’t want to remember them this way, then simply be grateful for any images you do have from when they were healthy. Treasure the time you have left, and don’t try to force new images that will be painful to look at after they’re gone.

While there may be some people who offer pet memorial photography at no charge, the majority of professional photographers do charge for this valuable service.

Consider your personal circumstances and what will best meet your needs when seeking a photographer. If you truly can’t pay for a professional, you can seek out students or hobbyists, or simply ask a friend or family member to snap a few special photos for you.

Only you can decide if an end-of-life pet photography session is right for you, and your unique situation.

Do I want to remember my pet this way?

There can be a fine line between capturing happy memories with your pet that you’ll look back on with a smile, and capturing a time in your pet’s life that you’d rather not be reminded of. Investing in a professional photography session is not for everyone or every situation, and if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the photographer their professional opinion.

How valuable are these images to me?

For many pet owners, end-of-life veterinary care can quickly add up. While you may feel like you’ve already spent too much money, really consider what these photos will mean to you after they’re gone. Most people who choose to invest in a session are incredibly grateful they did it. The photos can help with the grieving process and maintaining a connection with your best friend.

What will you have after they’re gone?

I get it. Caring for ill or elderly pets can cost a lot of money, and the thought of spending even more on something like photography can feel like a burden.

But I would encourage you to look at this as an opportunity - not simply another expense.

Regardless of the care and life-extending measures we take, our pets are eventually going to die. It’s inevitable. The money spent on care is absolutely well-spent, but after it’s all said and done, what do you have left?

An investment in capturing their personality and spirit while they’re still with you is a priceless gift to your future self. A beautiful photograph can transport you back to those moments and help keep their memory alive.

How flexible can I be to make this happen?

Work and school schedules may not line up with your desired photographer’s availability (or the weather, or the best time of day, etc). Are you able to take a couple of hours off to capture these memories?

Don’t wait until the last possible moment to contact your preferred photographer. Planning ahead will be better for your pet, less stressful for you, and easier to coordinate with timing.

Do I want to be in the photos with my pet?

This could also depend on how your photographer works, but while many of us dread having our picture taken, I really recommend being in at least a couple of the shots.

Chances are, you have very few images of yourself with your pet (since you’re usually the one taking the pictures!) and this is your opportunity to capture those memories.

A photo of just your pet can be beautiful by itself, but if you’re in there with them, embracing them, giving kisses - when you look at those photos later, you will be taken right back to that moment: the smell of the grass, the feel of their fur, how you felt in that moment.

A good photographer can incorporate you into images in a flattering way, even without even showing your face. Ask about showing just your hands on your pet, or a shot from over your shoulder. Nuzzle your face into their fur, and it won’t matter if a few tears fall in the meantime.

Inviting someone into your life at this very personal, difficult time is not a decision to take lightly. You want to feel good about the person you’ll be working with, and confident in their abilities. Every photographer runs their own business in their own way; there’s not a “right way” or a “wrong way,” but some things may or may not work for your individual situation.

Start a dialogue with potential photographers, either via email or phone, and see what feels right. When it all comes together and you’ve found a photographer you love, you’ll both be ready to go into your photo session with confidence and accurate expectations.

Some things to consider when selecting a photographer:

Do you like their style of photography?

Can you envision those types of images in your own home? Do you feel a connection when you view their images?

Does their portfolio maintain the same quality and style of images throughout?

If their portfolio has consistency, it’s more likely they’ll be able to produce that same quality for you in your session.

Does it seem like their personality will be compatible with yours?

Through their writing and images, you can often get a good impression of the type of energy they will bring to their photo shoots. Schedule a phone call to talk with them as well and see if you “click.”

How close are they to you?

Someone in your same city will have ideas for locations, or easily be able to meet you somewhere familiar. If you’re interested in a photographer who’s not in your city, how far are you willing to travel? Or, are you willing to pay travel expenses to have them come to you?

What is their availability?

If this is an urgent situation for you, you’ll want to be sure that the photographer can fit you into their schedule. Even more reason to plan ahead; you never know when your photographer may be on vacation or have their own medical or family emergencies to handle.

Can they accommodate your special needs or concerns?

Perhaps your pet can’t leave your home; some photographers may only shoot in a studio or only outdoors. If you or your pet uses a wheelchair, is their studio accessible for you?

Maybe your pet has large tumors, shaved areas, or a feeding tube; if hiding or eliminating those things is important to you, do they have the ability to remove them in post-processing? Or do they have ideas on how to minimize those areas during the session?

What are their options for sessions and products?

While costs are certainly an important factor, don’t let it be the only factor. Think about what is most valuable to you, and which photographer might be the best for your unique situation. Are you willing to invest in something higher-end, or will you be happy with a smaller package? Are you interested in an album but they only offer digital files? Does the photographer offer payment plans?